Sea moss, also known as Irish moss, is the latest trending superfood that has been all over social media recently. Whether they prefer to ingest the raw algae or choose to add sea moss gel to their diet, a lot of people claim that this supplement has significantly improved the quality of their lives. From boosting your immune system to helping in the weight loss process, let’s unpack the numerous health benefits of this supplement and the science behind them.
What Is Sea Moss?
Sea moss, or Chondrus Crispus, is a type of red seaweed that grows in the North Atlantic and has been used for its nutritional and medical properties for thousands of years. Besides A and C vitamins, sea moss is packed with iron, magnesium, and even a lot of fibre, making it an incredibly nutrient-dense food. A lot of people have started taking digestive enzymes in the UK, and considering the effect on the gut health we’ll discuss below, it’s no wonder that sea moss has also taken its place among them.
Benefits of Sea Moss
Chronic Illness Support
In recent years, more and more people started paying attention to the importance of antioxidants. For example, the increased popularity of the Fadogia Agrestis is partly linked to this reason. Much like this supplement, sea moss has anti-inflammatory properties, which decrease the risk of chronic diseases, such as arthritis and even certain heart conditions, thanks to the magnesium and phosphate that it contains.
Thyroid Support
The thyroid gland practically targets every single cell in our bodies and is responsible for crucial functions such as metabolism and mood regulation. The trick is that the thyroid needs Iodine to function. Since humans can’t naturally produce this element and need to ingest it, that’s where sea moss comes in – it’s very rich in Iodine. Therefore, it helps regulate the thyroid function and everything it influences.
Gut Health
Aside from helping the thyroid gland regulate our metabolism, sea moss is full of prebiotics, which are necessary for producing probiotics, aka the good bacteria in our guts. People in the UK have also started using the lion’s mane mushroom to support their digestive systems, as it prevents stomach ulcers by stopping the growth of certain “bad” bacteria.
Weight Loss
While it’s not as rich in protein as in fibre, sea moss still contains enough of these nutrients to help you feel full for a longer period of time, which, in turn, will help your weight loss goals. While it might not be as successful in this field as, for example, the hemp protein powder, this supplement can still aid the metabolism and help you lose weight.
Skincare
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties and the high density of vitamins, Irish moss has also found its way into many skincare routines. Antioxidants help the aging process by reducing the amount of wrinkles, and vitamins protect the skin from further damage. Sea moss also moisturises the face and improves the overall appearance by reducing dark spots. Despite these advantages, you should start using sea moss as you would with any other new skincare product – start applying a small amount and pay attention to how your skin reacts.
Research
It can’t exactly be said that further research is not needed, but certain early studies support the benefits of sea moss and its incorporation into our daily lives. Much like any other medication or supplement, you should not take sea moss without consulting your doctor or healthcare provider. You also need to make sure that it is thoroughly tested, as in certain environments, sea moss can absorb heavy metals from the water in which it grows, which can obviously be damaging to your health.
We discussed that sea moss is rich in Iodine, which is crucial for normal thyroid function. However, ingesting it in a higher-than-required amount can lead to complications. Moderation is always key; this is just one example of why we should pay extra attention to dosage instructions and not over-consume the supplement.
Final Thoughts
All in all, supplements are meant to enhance what we’re already doing for our well-being, not wholly replace food and, for example, exercise. Therefore, by controlling the intake amount and with the proper lifestyle, sea moss can definitely be a handy addition to your everyday diet.
